Katelyn Devine, MPH

Current Position: Youth Coordinator, New Hope Solebury Cares 

Story Last Updated: Summer 2024

My favorite part about GMercyU is the driving reason why I chose the University: the people. The friends and professors I have are inspiring. I’ve reflected on a Cathine McAuley quote throughout my time at Gwynedd Mercy University, and it encompasses what I gained from my experience and what I apply to future endeavors: 'Resolve to do good today and better tomorrow.'

Katelyn Devine attended Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls; she recalls visiting GMercyU for the first time with her dad.

“I remember walking through the Lady Garden and thinking how beautiful the landscape was, ranging from Assumption Hall to the walking paths,” said Katelyn. “The selling point that made me want to attend GMercyU was the good people. I knew I wanted to make a difference in my work, so a tight-knit community like Gwynedd made that possible. The students, professors, and administrators I met were excited and motivated, so the culture sold me!”

Experience in Public Health

Katelyn hadn’t originally come to GMercyU as a Public Health major. 

“I remember getting an email about the up-and-coming Public Health program and thinking this is everything I hoped for regarding my educational journey,” shared Katelyn. “Overall, I chose Public Health because of its versatility and its merging humanities and science into practice. I knew I would have the opportunity to explore topics such as program planning to management to environmental studies to epidemiology – it was a decision that was limitless!”

Katelyn opted to enroll in the 4+1 Masters of Public Health (MPH) program.

I’m honored to soon be the first student to graduate from both the undergraduate and graduate program in Public Health from Gwynedd Mercy University.

As an undergrad, Katelyn felt a deep connection with her professors, who helped shape her experience.

“Dr. Victory Osezua embodies what public health means in education and inspired my work post-graduation. My favorite undergraduate class was Environmental Health, taught by Dr. Sharla Willis,” said Katelyn.

While the MPH program is conveniently fully remote, Katelyn still felt deeply connected with her professors.

“The support of my professors hasn’t wavered. Dr. Maria Warnick is one of the most engaging professors. She taught my favorite class in my MPH – Epidemiology,” said Katelyn.

Internship Experience

In her time at GMercyU, Katelyn completed two internships, one in her undergraduate years and one in her graduate career. Both were completed at Montgomery County Office of Public Health in Norristown, where she served as a public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) intern. In her role, she aided in editing and creating a continuity of operations plan, an incident command system, and extreme weather reporting documents.

“My biggest takeaway from my internships was the intersection of business and public health, as well as the significance of networking,” Katelyn said.

Research Opportunities

Throughout her educational journey, Katelyn had the opportunity to engage in three research courses. Topics she explored included radon exposure, safe sleep, cessation of smoking, substance misuse, and mental health. The goal was to best understand behaviors, evidence-based practice, and the root of the concerns.

In April 2023, Katelyn presented with Dr. Osezua at the University’s Undergraduate Research Conference a policy brief in physical activity’s role within workplaces through health promotion programs.

“It was fun and interesting to see all of the other students’ research scopes,” said Katelyn.

Life on Campus

During her time at GMercyU, Katelyn took advantage of multiple leadership opportunities. She served as a Resident Assistant (RA) for two years and was a member of Student Government Association, where she served on the Executive Council for one year.

As a member of Residence Hall Association (RHA), Katelyn was part of the community service committee that attended a project at the non-profit, Cradles to Crayons. She was also inducted into Psi Chi, the Psychology Honors Society, for her work within her minor.

If a student is looking for a community where there are familiar faces that lead to lifelong friendships, active and supportive professors, and plenty of opportunity regardless of their major, then I recommend GMercyU.

Post-Graduation Plans

Katelyn graduated with her MPH in May 2024.

Since graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Public Health in May 2023, Katelyn has worked at a local nonprofit and helped mentor a graduate during an internship in spring 2024.